LCS hands Wildcats first loss

Saturday

Jan 12, 2013 at 11:00 AM

By Ed Patinoed.patino@hillsdale.netPITTSFORD — Facing its biggest test of the season, the Pittsford High School boys basketball team fell just short.A fourth quarter rally was not enough Friday for the Wildcats in a 55-52 loss to the Lenawee Christian Cougars in a non-conference game.Pittsford (6-1, 5-0 SCAA) trailed by seven entering the fourth quarter, but fought back to within two in the final minute. Lenawee Christian standout Jalen Porter went 1-for-2 at the free-throw line in the closing seconds, and the Wildcats were unable to get off a clean shot to extend the game."Lenawee Christian is an outstanding team, one of the best in Class D," Pittsford coach Mike Burger said. "They made a couple more plays then we did, but it was a whale of a game. I'm proud of our kids' effort."The game was tied after the first quarter, but LCS inched ahead and carried a 25-22 lead into halftime. The Cougars scored 19 points in the third quarter and built a 44-37 lead entering the fourth.Andy Houser had 15 points and seven rebounds to lead Pittsford. Kyle Elston added 11 points, while Josh Vance scored 10 points and handed out three assists.The Wildcats will travel to Climax-Scotts for a Southern Central Athletic Association game Tuesday. The Panthers are currently ranked No. 2 in the state's Class D rankings.Will Carleton 55, Calhoun Christian 28Chase Harrington recorded a double-double as the Will Carleton Academy boys basketball team rolled to a victory over Battle Creek Calhoun Christian in Friday's Mid South Conference game.Will Carleton (4-5, 3-1 Mid South) jumped out to an eight-point lead after the first quarter. The Cougars' offense slowed down in the second quarter, but they still took a 23-16 lead into halftime. Will Carleton regained its touch in the second half, outscoring Calhoun Christian 32-12 in the final two frames."It wasn't pretty at times, but we got better as the game went on," Will Carleton coach Brian Clark said. "Any league game on the road is tough, but the guys stuck with it tonight."Harrington had 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Cougars. Ben Baxter added 10 points and seven rebounds, while Joel Wheeler had six points and 10 assists. Austin Hayne and Dane Williams both scored six points.The Cougars will travel to Burr Oak on Wednesday.